Winston Guards hold March meeting

August 23, 2012

Submitted

Winston Guards No. 2643 MS Division United Daughters of the Confederacy met on March 6, 2012 in the Colonial Room at Lake Tiak O Khata. The spirit of the Irish filed the room. The tables were covered with white tablecloths and Kelly green napkins. Four-leaf garlands, shamrocks and green foil mints decorated the tables.

Our entertainment for the evening was Celestie Young and Sylvia Knight. They are members of Mary Ann Randolph Curtis Lee #2583 presented our program on “Inside Out”. This was very vivid and informative program on the types of dress for women around the time of the War Between the States. They brought several types of clothing to show us what “Southern Ladies” wore. Connie Faye was our model. The first layer is the bloomers or panalettes. They were made of cotton and fit below the knee to the ankles. The next layer is a chemise which is made of cotton and worn under the corset. She donned a corset next, which contrary to belief was not worn to get a slim waist alone but originated in France and was designed to create a smooth line waist to bust. They were made of whalebone and cotton. The camisole corset cover was the next item. This is what prevented the color of the clothes from fading on the corset. The fifth layer is an under petticoat, which is white and made to preserve modesty. The hoop comes next. A hoop is made of whalebone and cotton or steel covered with white cotton. The seventh layer was an over petticoat. Ladies wore four or five during the winter, but only one during the summer. These layers are covered with a blouse, which is tight fitting or a bodice, which is loose fitting and a skirt.

Evening attire would have low necklines, voluminous skirts; drop off shoulders and a bodice lower than the natural waistline. The shoes had low heels, which caused less stress on the ankles and backs. The sunny boat would have been worn to afternoon tea. They were Victorian or Edwardian. Slippers were black or white with no heel. Southern ladies used many things to accessorize their outfits. Fans that were made of bamboo had a language of their own. Jackets were used to change the appearance of the outfits. Handbags usually matched the dress. Snoods were used to cover the back of the hair. Black hats were only worn during the mourning period. A black bonnet or riding hat or a spoon bonnet might have been worn. Aprons were worn wit day dresses. Day dresses were worn all the way to the floor with stockings and garters. Socks were red or other colors. Women wore their hair up. It was very inappropriate for a man to see women with their hair down. Women made make-up in various ways. Eye make-up was made of soot mixed with lard. Rouge was made from red brick powder.

At the conclusion of the program, President Connie Faye Estes opened the business meeting with the pledges, salutes and songs. Celestie Young presented a book to the Winston Guards in memory of Henry Bruce Goodin. After the business meeting, we adjourned by holding hands and singing “Bless Be The Tie That Binds”.

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